Question

The figure shows a box of mass m2 = 2.40 kg on a frictionless plane inclined at angle θ = 15°. It is connected by a cord of negligible mass to a box of mass m1 = 4.10 kg on a horizontal frictionless surface. The pulley is frictionless and massless. (Figure is attached in the comments)

(a) If the magnitude of horizontal force vector F is 2.3 N, what is the tension in the connecting cord?


(b) What is the largest value the magnitude of vector F may have without the cord becoming slack?

Answer 1

You can start with applying Newtons second law. Both of the objects have same acceleration:
\[m_2a=m_2gsin{\theta}-T\]
\[m_1a=T+F\]
you have 2 equations 2 unknowns

Answer 2

for the second part, cord becomes slack when tension is zero. Thus
\[m_2a=m_2g\sin{\theta}\]
\[m_1a=F\]

Answer 3

Thank you!